Here are some resources that explain about the alcohol:
Alcoholic Beverages Law in the UAE
Alcohol License Dubai
In short:
- An alcohol license is needed
- Tourists cannot get a license
- They sell you alcohol in hotels and bars, and don't care if you have a license
- Yes there are contradictions and it is a grey area, like with many things in UAE, because they want to be muslim and tourist-friendly at the same time
- 99% of the time you will not get in trouble, but there are no assurances
Dubai has some nice places, but I prefer countries with real freedom, where I can safely have a beer on the beach, and don't have to worry about getting arrested for some painkillers.
Or having sex unmarried, for that matter. (Yes, that is illegal too, although they only arrest the women for it...)